JP5381695B2 - Information processing apparatus, data exchange method, and information processing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a data exchange method, and an information processing system.

  In recent years, with the spread of networks such as the Internet, information processing systems capable of sharing data among a plurality of devices via servers on the network have appeared.

  Under such circumstances, techniques relating to data sharing among a plurality of devices have been developed. For example, as a technology related to a server that selects users belonging to the same group based on a viewing information request transmitted from a content viewing device and transmits viewing information corresponding to the selected user to the content viewing device, for example, Patent Document 1 is cited.

JP 2009-124606 A

For example, the case where data (image data) of a photograph taken at an event such as a wedding is exchanged between users at a later date of the event is contrary to the potential needs for the exchange of data. Not many. The above is assumed to be due to the absence of means for directly transferring data between information processing apparatuses such as PCs (Personal Computers) owned by each user for the following reasons.
・ E-mail addresses are not necessarily exchanged between users ・ E-mail address of a device that is not suitable for receiving data even if the e-mail address of the transmission target user who wants to send data is known (for example, e-mail address of a mobile phone)・ It is practically impossible to send large amounts of data attached to e-mails. ・ Settings that allow data transmission / reception between information processing devices such as PCs owned by users ( For example, opening up services with each other) is not realistic

  In recent years, it has become possible to perform data with a larger capacity between devices by using a proximity wireless communication technology such as TransferJet (registered trademark). Therefore, when data is exchanged between users at the time of the event, there is a possibility that the frequency of data exchange at a later date of the event may be reduced. However, at the time of the event, it is practically difficult for the user who passes the data to select the data and transmit it to the user who receives the selected data. In addition, even if the proximity wireless communication technology as described above is used, there is a limit to the communication speed, so there is a possibility that the user may be forced to wait for a long time to complete transmission and reception of a large amount of data. There is a risk of reducing the convenience for the user.

  Therefore, even if it becomes possible to exchange data between users at the time of the event by using the proximity wireless communication technology, eventually, the data to be delivered or the data to be requested is not exchanged between the users. It will be. Therefore, a mechanism for assisting data exchange between users has been desired.

  Here, as the above-described mechanism, for example, communication with an information processing apparatus owned by each user is possible as in a conventional technique related to data sharing among a plurality of apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as “conventional technique”). Data transmission / reception may be performed through a server. As described above, since data transmission / reception is performed via the server, there is no need to directly transmit / receive data between information processing apparatuses owned by each user. There is a possibility that data transmission / reception using data can be assisted.

  However, since the conventional technique is a technique for sharing viewing information of users in the same group registered in advance, when using the conventional technique, each user who exchanges data registers with the server. There must be. Therefore, when the conventional technique is used, the user registration operation to the server is forced to exchange data, which may reduce the convenience for the user. Therefore, even if the conventional technique is used, it is not desirable to assist the exchange of data between users.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved information processing apparatus and data transmission / reception method capable of assisting data exchange between users. And providing an information processing system.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a communication unit that communicates with a server that relays data transmission and reception, and exchange information exchanged in advance between users, and a promise between the users. An authentication information generating unit that generates authentication information used for authentication related to data transmission / reception in the server, based on the promise information for transmitting / receiving the received data, and the authentication information generation when transmitting data to the server There is provided an information processing apparatus including a communication control unit that transmits the authentication information generated by the unit and data selected as transmission target data to the server.

  With this configuration, data exchange between users can be assisted.

  Further, the promise information includes auxiliary information for specifying a user who is an object of data exchange obtained by the exchange, and a transmission in which contents of the auxiliary information and candidates for data to be transmitted are displayed. You may further provide the transmission candidate setting part which displays a screen on a display screen.

  The transmission candidate setting unit sets a priority for each data that is a candidate for data to be transmitted based on the promise information, and a transmission screen on which data candidates to be transmitted are displayed according to the set priority. May be displayed on the display screen.

  The auxiliary information is image data including a user's face part to which the data is exchanged, and the transmission candidate setting unit adds the auxiliary information to the image data that is a candidate for data to be transmitted. Face detection may be performed using an image of the included face portion, and the priority may be set for each of the image data that is a candidate for data to be transmitted based on the result of face detection.

  In addition, the transmission candidate setting unit identifies image data including a user to whom data is to be exchanged by the face detection, and assigns the priority of the image data including the user to which the data is to be exchanged to a person May be set higher than the priority of image data that does not include the user to whom the data is to be exchanged.

  In addition, the transmission candidate setting unit identifies image data including a user to whom the data is exchanged by the face detection, and the person includes the priority of the image data not including the person. May be set higher than the priority of the image data that does not include the user to whom the data is exchanged.

  Further, the promise information may include information on a time when the exchange information is exchanged, and the transmission candidate setting unit may set a candidate for data to be transmitted based on the time information. .

  Of the exchange information included in the promise information, the information used by the authentication information generation unit to generate the authentication information may be hash information generated from arbitrary image data.

  When receiving data from the server, the communication control unit may transmit a data transmission request for requesting data transmission and the authentication information generated by the authentication information generation unit to the server.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a second aspect of the present invention, based on the promise information for exchanging data promised between the users, including exchange information exchanged in advance between users, A step of generating authentication information used for authentication related to data transfer in a server that relays the transfer of data; and when transmitting data to the server, the authentication information generated in the generating step, and data to be transmitted Transmitting the data selected as to the server, and when receiving data from the server, a data transmission request for requesting data transmission, and the authentication information generated in the generating step. There is provided a data exchange method comprising the step of transmitting to the server.

  By using such a method, data exchange between users can be assisted.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a third aspect of the present invention, two information processing units that communicate with a server that relays data transmission and reception, and that communicate with the server and perform data transmission and reception through the server, respectively. The server includes a server-side communication unit that communicates with each of the information processing apparatuses, and authentication information and data used for authentication related to transmission / reception of data transmitted from any of the information processing apparatuses. When received, a data recording unit that records the authentication information and data in association with each other, a data transmission request that requests transmission of data transmitted from any of the information processing apparatuses, and the authentication information are received. In this case, data matching the authentication information is detected from the data recorded by the data recording unit based on the authentication information, and detected based on the detection result. A data transmission unit that selectively transmits the data transmitted to the information processing apparatus that transmitted the data transmission request, and each of the information processing apparatuses is exchanged in advance between a user and a device-side communication unit that communicates with the server. In the case of transmitting data to the authentication information generation unit that generates the authentication information based on the promise information for performing the exchange of the promised data between the users including the exchange information, If the authentication information generated by the authentication information generation unit and the data selected as the data to be transmitted are transmitted to the server and data is received from the server, data transmission requesting data transmission An information processing system is provided that includes a request and a communication control unit that transmits the authentication information generated by the authentication information generation unit to the server.

  With this configuration, an information processing system capable of assisting data exchange between users is realized.

  According to the present invention, data exchange between users can be assisted.

It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the process which concerns on the data transfer assistance approach in the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the transmission screen which the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention displays on a display screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the transmission screen which the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention displays on a display screen. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the transmission determination process in the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the priority setting process in the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the receiving screen which the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention displays on a display screen. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the server which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

In the following, description will be given in the following order.
1. 1. Approach according to an embodiment of the present invention 2. Information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention Program according to the embodiment of the present invention

(Approach according to the embodiment of the present invention)
Information processing apparatus (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “information processing apparatus 100”) that constitutes an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter may be referred to as “information processing 1000”). Before explaining the configuration of a server (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “server 200”), a data transfer assistance approach according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[Outline of Data Transfer Support Approach]
As described above, there is a possibility that data exchange between users can be assisted by transmitting and receiving data between information processing apparatuses owned by each user via a server. In addition, when the user is forced to register with the server as in the case of using the conventional technology, there is a possibility that the user's convenience may be reduced. Therefore, it is desirable to assist the exchange of data between users. Not possible.

  Therefore, in the information processing system 1000 to which the data transfer assist approach is applied, each information processing apparatus 100 owned by the user who transmits and receives data generates authentication information based on the promise information. In the information processing system 1000, each information processing apparatus 100 records data in the server 200 and / or receives data from the server 200 using the generated authentication information.

  Here, the promise information according to the embodiment of the present invention is information for exchanging data promised between users. The promise information includes, for example, exchange information exchanged in advance between users, information on the time when the exchange information was exchanged, and an information processing apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as “information processing apparatus 100A”) used by one user to exchange data. Identification information (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “first identification information”).

  The first identification information according to the embodiment of the present invention is appropriately generated in an apparatus used by one user when exchanging exchange information, for example, when exchanging exchange information. Here, as the first identification information, for example, hash information generated from image data arbitrarily selected from image data stored in an apparatus used by the one user when exchanging the exchange information can be cited. For example, a device used by the one user when exchanging exchange information uses hash information generated from arbitrary stored data as first identification information. Needless to say, the apparatus used by the one user when exchanging exchange information may be, for example, the information processing apparatus 100A.

  Further, as the exchange information, for example, the server 200 identifies the information processing apparatus 100 (hereinafter, also referred to as “information processing apparatus 100B”) used by other users who are data transmission / reception objects for data transmission / reception. It includes identification information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “second identification information”) and auxiliary information for specifying other users to whom data is exchanged.

  The second identification information according to the embodiment of the present invention is appropriately generated in, for example, an apparatus used when another user exchanges exchange information when exchanging exchange information. Here, as the first identification information, for example, the second identification information is generated from image data arbitrarily selected from the image data stored in the device used by the other user when exchanging the exchange information. Hash information. Needless to say, the apparatus used by other users when exchanging exchange information may be, for example, the information processing apparatus 100B.

  In addition, as auxiliary information according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, character data corresponding to a secret word between users who exchange data, or image data (hereinafter referred to as “compound image”) serving as a secret word. May be called)). By exchanging auxiliary information according to the embodiment of the present invention between users (strictly, between devices owned by the user), which user has promised to exchange data (i.e. It is possible to uniquely identify a user to whom data is exchanged. Note that the combined image according to the embodiment of the present invention serves as a business card, for example. Examples of the combined image according to the embodiment of the present invention include image data created in advance by the user.

  More specifically, the information processing apparatus 100 generates authentication information based on the first identification information and the second identification information. Here, the exchange information exchanged between users includes identification information generated on the other user side to which data is exchanged. Therefore, each information processing apparatus 100 can use the same first identification information and second identification information by using the promise information including the exchange information. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 generates hash information based on the first identification information and the second identification information, and uses the generated hash information as authentication information. As described above, the first identification information and the second identification information according to the embodiment of the present invention are hash information generated from arbitrary data, and thus are based on the first identification information and the second identification information. It is difficult for a third party other than the user who exchanges data to copy the hash information. Accordingly, each information processing apparatus 100 records data in the server 200 and / or receives data from the server 200 using the authentication information generated as described above, thereby allowing a specific information device 100 to Indirect data transmission / reception can be realized.

  In addition, when transmitting data to the server 200 (corresponding to passing data to another user), the information processing apparatus 100 transmits the data to be transmitted and authentication information in association with each other. Then, the server 200 that has received the data and the authentication information transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 records the received data and the authentication information in association with each other. In addition, when the information processing apparatus 100 transmits the data and the authentication information, the information transmitted to the server 200 is transmitted from which information processing apparatus by transmitting the identification information for identifying the own apparatus together. It can be recorded together. Here, the identification information corresponds to first identification information when viewed from the information device 100 on the data transmission side, and corresponds to second identification information when viewed from the information processing device 100 on the data reception side.

  Further, when receiving data from the server 200 (corresponding to receiving data from another user), the information processing apparatus 100 sends a data transmission request for requesting the server 200 to transmit data and authentication information. Send to server 200. Then, the server 200 that has received the data transmission request and the authentication information transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 detects data that matches the authentication information from the stored data, and transmits the detected data to the data transmission The request is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100 that has transmitted the request. Here, the selective transmission of data matching the authentication information in the server 200 corresponds to an authentication process using the authentication information. The data transmission request includes, for example, identification information that identifies the information processing apparatus 100 that transmits the data transmission request. Here, the identification information included in the data transmission request corresponds to the first identification information when viewed from the information device 100 on the transmission side of the data transmission request, and from the other information processing device 100 that has transmitted data to the server 200. Corresponds to second identification information.

  In the information processing system 1000, for example, data transmission / reception is performed between the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100B via the server 200 as described above. Here, in the information processing system 1000, transmission / reception of data between the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100B via the server 200 is performed using authentication information based on the promise information. Therefore, in the information processing system 1000, even if the user does not perform another registration related to data transmission / reception with respect to the server 200, the data transmitted by another user to whom data is to be transmitted / received using the information processing apparatus 100. Can be received indirectly via the server 200.

  When the information processing system 1000 is used, for example, exchange information (data) exchanged between devices owned by a user who promises to exchange data at an event venue is second identification information and auxiliary information, for example. Therefore, the user can save time and effort for selecting data to be transmitted, compared to transmitting a photograph (image data) taken at an event venue, for example. In addition, since the second identification information is hash information and the auxiliary information is character data or image data, for example, by using the proximity wireless communication technology, a short time is required between devices possessed by a user who promises to exchange data. Transmission / reception is completed in (for example, several seconds). Therefore, when the information processing system 1000 is used, for example, even if exchange information is exchanged between devices owned by a user who promises to exchange data at an event venue or the like, the user is not forced to have a special waiting time. Therefore, there is no fear of reducing the convenience for the user.

  Therefore, the information processing system 1000 including the information processing apparatus 100 and the server 200 can assist data exchange between users.

[Processing related to data transfer assistance approach]
Next, an example of processing related to the data exchange assistance approach according to the embodiment of the present invention described above in the information processing system 1000 will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system 1000 includes an information processing apparatus 100A, an information processing apparatus 100B, and a server 200.

  Hereinafter, a case where data is exchanged between the user A and the user B will be described as an example. The information processing apparatus 100 used by the user A for data exchange is the information processing apparatus 100A, and the user B Description will be made assuming that the information processing apparatus 100 used for data exchange is the information processing apparatus 100B. In FIG. 1, the information processing terminal 300A is shown as an apparatus used by the user A for exchanging exchange information at an event venue or the like, and the information processing terminal 300B is shown as an apparatus used by the user B for exchanging exchange information. In FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 100 </ b> A and the information processing terminal 300 </ b> A used by the user A are illustrated as different apparatuses, but the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing terminal 300A may be the same apparatus. The same applies to the information processing apparatus 100B and the information processing terminal 300B used by the user B. Hereinafter, the information processing terminal 300A and the information processing terminal 300B may be collectively referred to as “information processing terminal 300”.

  Hereinafter, processing related to the data transfer assistance approach in the information processing system 1000 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described. In the following, when user A transmits data to server 200 using information processing apparatus 100A and user B receives data from server 200 using information processing apparatus 100B (that is, user A passes the data). The side where the user B receives data) will be mainly described as an example. Note that both of the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100B according to the embodiment of the present invention may perform data transmission / reception via the server 200 by performing processing related to the data exchange assist approach described below. Needless to say, what you can do.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of processing related to the data transfer assistance approach in the information processing system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 also shows processing related to transmission / reception of exchange information (exchange information exchange) between the information processing terminal 300A and the information processing terminal 300B at an event venue or the like. Further, FIG. 2 shows a case where data (data exchanged between the user A and the user B) transmitted and received by the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100B via the server 200 is image data. Note that data transmitted and received by the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100B via the server 200 is not limited to image data. For example, the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100B can transmit and receive various data such as document data and audio data (or music data) via the server 200.

  When the exchange of image data is promised between the user A and the user B and the information processing terminal 300A and the information processing terminal 300B are communicable, the information processing terminal 300A includes the first identification information and the first auxiliary information. Information is transmitted to the information processing terminal 300B (S100). Here, the information processing terminal 300 </ b> A generates the first identification information based on, for example, arbitrary data (for example, image data) stored in a recording medium included in the apparatus or a removable external recording medium. Further, the information processing terminal 300A transmits, for example, data preset as auxiliary information as the first auxiliary information. Note that the first identification information and the first auxiliary information transmitted from the information processing terminal 300A in step S100 correspond to the second identification information and the second auxiliary information when viewed from the information processing terminal 300B side. In addition, the information processing terminal 300 </ b> A can also transmit auxiliary information selected by a user operation among the set auxiliary information as first auxiliary information. When a plurality of pieces of auxiliary information are set in the information processing terminal 300A, for example, each user uses the information processing system 1000 while sharing the information processing terminal 300A with a plurality of users (for example, family members and groups). Data can be transmitted and received.

  The information processing terminal 300B that has received the first identification information and the first auxiliary information transmitted from the information processing terminal 300A in step S100 performs the same processing as in step S100 in the information processing terminal 300A, and the second identification information and the first information 2 The auxiliary information is transmitted to the information processing terminal 300A (S102). Note that the second identification information and the second auxiliary information transmitted from the information processing terminal 300B in step S102 correspond to the first identification information and the first auxiliary information when viewed from the information processing terminal 300B side.

  By performing the processing of Step S100 and Step S102, the information processing terminal 300A and the information processing terminal 300B store the first identification information and the second identification information, respectively, and exchange auxiliary information stored by each other. be able to.

  The information processing terminal 300A transmits the first identification information, the second identification information, the second auxiliary information, and one or more image data that are candidates for transmission to the server 200 to the information processing apparatus 100A (S104). . Here, the first identification information, the second identification information, and the second auxiliary information correspond to the promise information used by the information processing apparatus 100A for processing. Also, the information processing apparatus 100A uses, for example, a time stamp indicating the time when the first identification information is generated as information about the time when the exchange information is exchanged. Note that the information processing apparatus 100A can also use, for example, the time stamp of the second auxiliary information as information on the time when the exchange information is exchanged.

  Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the information processing terminal 300A transmits the first identification information, the second identification information, and the second auxiliary information to the information processing apparatus 100, it is not limited to the above. For example, the information processing terminal 300 </ b> A can transmit the first identification information, the second identification information, and the second auxiliary information to the information processing apparatus 100 as one data object (an example of promise information). In the above case, the information processing apparatus 100A uses, for example, the time stamp of the data object as information on the time when the exchange information is exchanged.

  When the first identification information, the second identification information, the second auxiliary information, and the image data are received in step S104, the information processing apparatus 100A generates authentication information based on the first identification information and the second identification information ( S106).

  The information processing apparatus 100A displays a transmission screen on which the content of the auxiliary information and the candidate data to be transmitted are displayed on the display screen. Then, the information processing apparatus 100A determines whether or not to transmit image data to the server 200 based on, for example, a user operation on the transmission screen (S108; transmission determination process).

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a transmission screen displayed on the display screen by the information processing apparatus 100A according to the embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 100 </ b> A includes, for example, an image (A in FIG. 3, an example of content of auxiliary information) indicating a user to whom data is exchanged, and a list of image data that is transmission candidates ( B. An example of a candidate for data to be transmitted), a transmission button (C in FIG. 3) serving as a trigger for the information processing apparatus 100A to transmit data is displayed on the transmission screen.

  Here, FIG. 3 shows an example of a transmission screen when the second auxiliary information is image data (combined image), and the information processing apparatus 100A displays the combined image indicated by the second auxiliary information in FIG. The data shown in A is displayed as an image showing a user to whom data is exchanged. When the second auxiliary information is not a password image but, for example, character data indicating a secret word, the information processing apparatus 100A displays the character (password) indicated by the second auxiliary information on the transmission screen.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 100A sets, for example, a priority for each data that is a candidate for data to be transmitted based on the promise information, and a transmission screen on which data candidates to be transmitted are displayed according to the set priority. Is displayed on the display screen. Here, as a transmission screen on which candidates for data to be transmitted according to the set priority are displayed, for example, image data having a high priority is displayed in a list of image data to be transmission candidates shown in FIG. Examples include a transmission screen displayed at the top and a transmission screen in which high-priority image data is emphasized. As a method for emphasizing image data having a high priority, for example, as shown in F1 and F2 in FIG. 3, a frame is set for image data candidates displayed in a list.

  The information processing apparatus 100A sets the priority based on, for example, auxiliary information. More specifically, in the information processing apparatus 100A, for example, when the second auxiliary information is image data (composite image) including the face portion of the user who is the object of data transfer as shown in A of FIG. Image data including a user to be exchanged is specified by face detection using an image of a face portion included in the combined image. Then, the information processing apparatus 100A determines the priority of the image data including the user who is the object of data transfer, and the priority of the image data including the person but does not include the user who is the object of data transfer. Set higher than. In addition, even if image data does not include a user to whom data is to be exchanged, even if image data that does not include a person such as a landscape is transmitted, there is no particular problem. For example, 100A sets the priority of image data that does not include a person higher than the priority of image data that includes a person but does not include a user to whom data is exchanged.

  The information processing apparatus 100A displays on the display screen a transmission screen on which data candidates to be transmitted according to the set priority are displayed, whereby data to be transmitted to the server 200 (data that the user A passes to the user B) Can assist with selection.

  Also, the information processing apparatus 100A sets data candidates to be transmitted based on, for example, information on the time when the exchange information included in the promise information is exchanged. More specifically, the information processing apparatus 100A, for example, based on the time information included in the promise information and a time stamp of data stored in a storage unit (described later) included in the information processing apparatus 100A, for example, Data that matches the date indicated by the time information and the date of the time stamp is set as a data candidate to be transmitted. The information processing apparatus 100A can also set data stored in an external recording medium from which the information processing apparatus 100A can read data as a candidate for data to be transmitted (hereinafter the same).

  Note that the method of setting candidates for data to be transmitted in the information processing apparatus 100A is not limited to the above. For example, the information processing apparatus 100A can set data including a date of a time stamp within a predetermined period including the date indicated by the time information as a candidate for data to be transmitted.

  Further, the method for setting the candidate for data to be transmitted in the information processing apparatus 100A is not limited to setting the candidate for data to be transmitted based on the information on the time when the exchange information included in the promise information is exchanged. For example, the information processing apparatus 100A can also set data candidates to be transmitted for each set period or date based on the period or date set by the user operation of the user A. As described above, the information processing apparatus 100A can set data candidates to be transmitted by grouping, for example, for each specific event.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of a transmission screen displayed on the display screen by the information processing apparatus 100A according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a transmission screen when the information processing apparatus 100A sets data candidates to be grouped and transmitted for each specific event. As illustrated in FIG. 4, when setting data candidates to be grouped and transmitted for each specific event, the information processing apparatus 100 </ b> A, for example, sets a set period or date as illustrated in D of FIG. 4. Can be selected by the cursor SEL. Then, the information processing apparatus 100A sets the transmission candidate corresponding to the selected period or date to the transmission candidates shown in B of FIG. 4 in the same manner as the list of image data to be transmission candidates shown in B of FIG. Is displayed in the list of image data.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 100A includes the person in each set period or the like by face detection using the face information of the person included in the combined image (an example of auxiliary information) illustrated in A of FIG. It is possible to determine whether there is image data to be displayed, and to change a display method such as a set period according to the determination result. For example, FIG. 4D shows an example in which an event “2011.03.24” having no image data corresponding to the combined image shown in A of FIG. 4 is displayed separately from other events.

  In the transmission determination process in step S108, the information processing apparatus 100A displays, for example, the transmission screen illustrated in FIG. 3 or 4 on the display screen, and determines whether to transmit data based on a user operation. Needless to say, the transmission screen displayed on the display screen by the information processing apparatus 100 </ b> A according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[Example of transmission determination processing]
Here, an example of the transmission determination process in the information processing apparatus 100A will be described more specifically. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the transmission determination process in the information processing apparatus 100A according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of the transmission determination process when the information processing apparatus 100A transmits image data. In the following description, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 100A performs the process shown in FIG. 5, but the information processing apparatus 100B can perform the same process.

  The information processing apparatus 100A groups, for example, image data stored in a storage unit (described later) (S200). Here, the information processing apparatus 100 </ b> A performs the process of step S <b> 200 by classifying (for example, event clustering) based on the type stamp of the image data, for example. In addition, the information processing apparatus 100A assigns a sequential group number to each group.

  When grouping is performed in step S200, the information processing apparatus 100A sets a value of m (m is an integer) indicating a group number to m = 1 (S202). Here, the process of step S202 corresponds to an initialization process of the value of m.

The information processing apparatus 100A sets an evaluation value for each of the image data classified into the m groups based on the auxiliary information (S204). Here, the information processing apparatus 100A sets the evaluation value by performing face detection on the image indicated by each image data, for example, by performing face detection using the image of the face part included in the combined image as auxiliary information. . Also, the information processing apparatus 100A sets, for example, the following evaluation values for each image data.
An image including a user to be exchanged (a person corresponding to the face image included in the combined image): evaluation value = 1
-Image not including a person: Evaluation value = 2
An image that includes a person but does not include a user to be exchanged: Evaluation value = 0

  When an evaluation value is set for each image data of m groups in step S204, information processing apparatus 100A determines whether or not “m ≧ number of groups” (S206).

  If it is not determined in step S206 that “m ≧ number of groups”, the information processing apparatus 100A updates the value of m to m = m + 1 (S208), and repeats the processing from step S204.

  If it is determined in step S206 that “m ≧ number of groups”, the information processing apparatus 100A performs a priority setting process for setting a priority for each image data (S208).

<Example of priority setting process>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of priority setting processing in the information processing apparatus 100A according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 100A performs the process illustrated in FIG. 6, but the information processing apparatus 100B can perform the same process.

  The information processing apparatus 100A determines whether there is image data including a user to be exchanged (a person corresponding to the face image included in the combined image) (S300). Here, the information processing apparatus 100 </ b> A performs the determination in step S <b> 300 based on the evaluation value set in step S <b> 204 in FIG. 5, for example. Note that the information processing apparatus 100 </ b> A can perform the determination in step S <b> 300 by performing face detection based on auxiliary information again for each image data stored in a storage unit (not shown), for example.

  If it is not determined in step S300 that there is image data including the user to be exchanged, the information processing apparatus 100A sets the priority of all image data that are candidates for data to be transmitted to “low” (S320). ). Then, the information processing apparatus 100A ends the priority setting process.

  When it is determined in step S300 that there is image data including the user to be exchanged, the information processing apparatus 100A sets the value of n (n is an integer) indicating a value serving as a counter to n = 1 is set (S302). Here, the process of step S302 corresponds to an initialization process of the value of n.

  The information processing apparatus 100A selects the nth image data from, for example, a storage unit (not shown) (S304). When image data is selected in step S304, the information processing apparatus 100A determines whether the selected image data is image data belonging to a group based on promise information (the information on the time included in the promise information). Determination is made (S306).

  If it is determined in step S306 that the image data belongs to the group based on the promise information (the time information included in the promise information), the information processing apparatus 100A determines the evaluation value set in step S204 of FIG. The priority is set based on (S308). For example, the information processing apparatus 100 sets the priority to “high” when the evaluation value is “1” or “2”, and sets the priority to “low” when the evaluation value is “0”. Set.

  When the priority is set in step S308, the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether the value of n is “n ≧ number of image data” (S310). Here, the number of image data in step S310 is, for example, the number of image data stored in a storage unit (described later) (that is, the number of data serving as transmission candidates).

  If it is determined in step S310 that “n ≧ the number of image data”, the information processing apparatus 100A ends the priority setting process.

  If it is determined in step S310 that “n ≧ the number of image data”, the information processing apparatus 100A updates the value of n to n = n + 1 (S312), and step S304. Repeat the process from.

  If it is not determined in step S306 that the image data belongs to the group based on the promise information (the time information included in the promise information), the information processing apparatus 100A determines whether the image data has been transmitted. It is determined whether or not (S314). Here, for example, every time data is transmitted to the server 200, the information processing apparatus 100A associates data to be transmitted with information on a user to be transmitted (for example, auxiliary information itself or information on a face portion). Record history information. Then, the information processing apparatus 100A performs the determination in step S314 by using the history information, for example.

  If it is determined in step S314 that the image data has already been transmitted, the information processing apparatus 100A sets the priority based on the evaluation value set in step S204 of FIG. 5 (S316). Then, the information processing apparatus 100A performs the process of step S310. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 sets the priority to “medium” when the evaluation value is “1” or “2”, and sets the priority to “low” when the evaluation value is “0”. Set.

  If it is not determined in step S314 that the image data has been transmitted, the information processing apparatus 100A sets the priority to “low”. Then, the information processing apparatus 100A performs the process of step S310.

  The information processing apparatus 100 </ b> A can set a priority for each image data that is a transmission candidate, for example, by performing the processing illustrated in FIG. 6. Needless to say, the priority setting process in the information processing apparatus 100A according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the process illustrated in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 5 again, an example of the transmission determination process in the information processing apparatus 100A according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. When the priority setting process is performed in step S208, the information processing apparatus 100A displays, for example, a transmission screen as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 on the display screen based on the set priority (S212).

  When the transmission screen is displayed on the display screen in step S212, the information processing apparatus 100A determines whether a transmission operation (an example of a user operation) has been detected (S214). Here, the information processing apparatus 100 determines that a transmission operation (an example of a user operation) has been detected when an operation signal generated by an operation unit (described later) in response to a user operation is detected. Then, the information processing apparatus 100A determines that transmission is performed when it is determined that a transmission operation has been detected (S216), and the transmission determination process ends.

  The information processing apparatus 100A can determine whether or not to transmit image data to the server 200 based on a user operation, for example, by performing the processing illustrated in FIG. Note that the transmission determination process in the information processing apparatus 100A according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the process illustrated in FIG. For example, although not shown in FIG. 5, the information processing apparatus 100 </ b> A determines that transmission is not performed based on a transmission cancel operation by the user in the transmission determination process, and changes the transmission screen displayed on the display screen to another It is possible to transition to a screen (for example, a desktop screen). Further, even when the transmission screen is transitioned to another screen as described above, the information processing apparatus 100A causes the transmission screen to be displayed again on the display screen based on a user operation for displaying the transmission screen. It goes without saying that we can do it.

  With reference to FIG. 2 again, an example of processing related to the data transfer assistance approach in the information processing system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. If it is determined in step S108 that image data is to be transmitted to the server 200, the information processing apparatus 100A sends the first identification information, the authentication information, and the image data (the image data selected on the transmission screen) to the server 200. Transmit (S110). Here, the information processing apparatus 100A may encrypt each data to be transmitted using, for example, authentication information based on the promise information as an encryption key, and transmit the encrypted data to the server 200. As described above, the information processing apparatus 100B generates the same authentication information as the information processing apparatus 100A by using the promise information. That is, the information processing apparatus 100B has the same encryption key as the encryption key related to the encryption of the information processing apparatus 100A. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 100A transmits the data encrypted with the authentication information as the encryption key in step S110 to the server 200, so that the security can be further improved.

  The information processing apparatus 100 </ b> A can transmit, to the server 200, image data that the user A desires to pass to the user B, for example, by performing the processes of steps S <b> 106 to S <b> 110.

  The server 200 that has received the first identification information, the authentication information, and the image data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100A in step S110 records the received authentication information and the image data in association with each other (S112). Further, the server 200 further records the image data and the first identification information in association with each other, for example. Here, the server 200 stores, for example, received image data in a storage unit (described later) included in the server 200. Note that the server 200 can also store received image data or the like in a removable external recording medium, an external storage device connected via a network, or the like (hereinafter the same).

  Next, processing in which the information processing apparatus 100B receives image data recorded in the server 200 will be described. The information processing terminal 300B transmits the first identification information, the second identification information, and the first auxiliary information to the information processing apparatus 100B (S114). Here, the first identification information, the second identification information, and the first auxiliary information correspond to the promise information used by the information processing apparatus 100B for processing. In addition, the information processing apparatus 100B uses, for example, a time stamp indicating the time when the second identification information is generated as information about the time when the exchange information is exchanged, but is not limited thereto. For example, the information processing apparatus 100B can use the time stamp of the first auxiliary information as information about the time when the exchange information is exchanged. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the information processing terminal 300 </ b> B can also transmit one or more image data that are candidates for transmission to the server 200 to the information processing apparatus 100 </ b> B.

  The information processing apparatus 100B that has received the first identification information, the second identification information, and the first auxiliary information transmitted from the information processing terminal 300B in step S114 receives the first identification in the same manner as the process of step S106 in the information processing apparatus 100A. Authentication information is generated based on the information and the second identification information (S116).

  The information processing apparatus 100B transmits a reception candidate transmission request for requesting transmission of information related to data that is a reception candidate and the authentication information generated in step S116 to the server 200 (S118). Here, the information processing apparatus 100B performs the process of step S118 based on, for example, a user operation, but is not limited to the above, and can be automatically performed after the process of step S116.

  The server 200 that has received the reception candidate transmission request and the authentication information transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100B in step S118 determines whether to transmit candidate data corresponding to the reception candidate transmission request (S120). Here, for example, based on the authentication information received in step S118, the server 200 selects image data that matches the authentication information from among image data stored in a storage unit (described later) provided in the server 200. To detect. Then, when image data that matches the authentication information is detected, the server 200 determines to transmit candidate data corresponding to the reception candidate transmission request.

  If it is determined in step S120 that candidate data corresponding to the reception candidate transmission request is transmitted, the server 200 transmits the candidate data to the information processing apparatus 100B (S122). Here, for example, the server 200 generates a thumbnail image based on the image data detected in step S120, and transmits the generated thumbnail image data as candidate data to the information processing apparatus 100B.

  The information processing apparatus 100B that has received the candidate data transmitted from the server 200 in step S122 displays a reception screen on which the received candidate data and the content of auxiliary information corresponding to the candidate data are displayed on the display screen. The information processing apparatus 100B determines whether or not to receive image data from the server 200 based on, for example, a user operation on the reception screen (S124; reception determination process).

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a reception screen displayed on the display screen by the information processing apparatus 100B according to the embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the information processing apparatus 100 </ b> B includes, for example, an image (E in FIG. 7, an example of the content of auxiliary information) indicating a user to whom data is exchanged, and a list of image data that are reception candidates ( F. An example of the received candidate data), a transmission button (G in FIG. 7) serving as a trigger for the information processing apparatus 100B to receive data from the server 200 is displayed on the reception screen.

  Here, FIG. 7 shows an example of a reception screen when the first auxiliary information is image data (composite image). The information processing apparatus 100B displays the composite image indicated by the first auxiliary information in FIG. It displays as an image which shows the user of the exchange object of the data shown to E. Note that when the first auxiliary information is not a password image but character data indicating a secret word, for example, the information processing apparatus 100B displays the character (password) indicated by the first auxiliary information on the reception screen.

  In the reception determination process in step S124, the information processing apparatus 100B displays, for example, the reception screen illustrated in FIG. 7 on the display screen, and determines whether to receive data from the server 200 based on a user operation. Needless to say, the reception screen displayed on the display screen by the information processing apparatus 100B according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S124 that image data is to be received from the server 200, the information processing apparatus 100B transmits a data transmission request for requesting transmission of the image data selected on the reception screen and authentication information to the server 200. (S126).

  The server 200 that has received the data transmission request and the authentication information transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100B in step S126 determines whether or not to transmit image data corresponding to the data transmission request (S128). Here, for example, based on the authentication information received in step S126, the server 200 selects image data that matches the authentication information from among image data stored in a storage unit (described later) provided in the server 200. To detect. Then, the server 200 determines that image data corresponding to the data transmission request is to be transmitted when image data that matches the authentication information is detected.

  Then, the server 200 transmits the image data detected in step S128 to the information processing apparatus 100B that transmitted the data transmission request (S130).

  The information processing apparatus 100B can receive, from the server 200, image data that the user A desires to pass to the user B by performing the processes of steps S116, S118, S124, and S126, for example.

  In the information processing system 1000, for example, the processing shown in FIG. 2 is performed, whereby indirect data transmission / reception between the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100B via the server 200 is realized.

  Here, in the information processing system 1000, transmission / reception of data between the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100B via the server 200 is performed using authentication information based on the promise information. Therefore, in the information processing system 1000, even if the user does not perform another registration related to data transmission / reception with respect to the server 200, the data transmitted by another user to whom data is to be transmitted / received using the information processing apparatus 100. Can be received indirectly via the server 200.

  Further, in the information processing system 1000, the identification information (first identification information, second identification information) used by the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100B for generating authentication information is as shown in steps S100 and S102 in FIG. For example, the information processing terminals 300A and 300B are exchanged at an event venue or the like. Here, as shown in steps S100 and S102 of FIG. 2, since the exchange information exchanged between the information processing terminals 300A and 300B is the identification information and the auxiliary information, the information processing terminals 300A and 300B, for example, at an event venue or the like. Even if exchange information is exchanged between users, user A and user B are not forced to have a special waiting time. Therefore, when exchanging exchange information related to the generation of authentication information, there is no risk of reducing user convenience.

  Therefore, the information processing system 1000 can assist data exchange between users by performing, for example, the processing illustrated in FIG. 2 in the information processing apparatus 100A, the information processing apparatus 100B, and the server 200.

  2 illustrates an example in which the information processing apparatus 100A transmits image data to the server 200 and the information processing apparatus 100B receives image data from the server 200, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As described above, in the information processing system 1000, the information processing apparatus 100B can transmit image data to the server 200, and the information processing apparatus 100A can receive image data from the server 200. In the information processing system 1000, data that is indirectly transmitted and received between the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100B is not limited to image data, and the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100 store arbitrary data. It can be transmitted and received indirectly via the server 200.

  Further, the process related to the data transfer assistance approach in the information processing system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the process shown in FIG. For example, when the server 200 stores data transmitted from both the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100B, the server 200 responds to the data transmission request transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100A or the information processing apparatus 100B. Data can also be transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100 that transmitted the data transmission request. In the above case, the server 200 plays a role of mediating so-called barter exchange between the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100B.

(Information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention)
Next, configuration examples of the information processing apparatus 100 and the server 200 that configure the information processing system 1000 capable of realizing the processing related to the data exchange assistance approach according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be described.

[Information processing apparatus 100]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The information processing apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 102 (device-side communication unit), a storage unit 104, a control unit 106, an operation unit 108, and a display unit 110.

  The information processing apparatus 100 may include, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory; not shown), a RAM (Random Access Memory; not shown), and the like. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 connects each component by a bus as a data transmission path.

  Here, the ROM (not shown) stores control data such as a program used by the control unit 106 and calculation parameters. A RAM (not shown) primarily stores programs executed by the control unit 106.

[Hardware Configuration Example of Information Processing Apparatus 100]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, the information processing apparatus 100 includes, for example, an MPU 150, a ROM 152, a RAM 154, a recording medium 156, an input / output interface 158, an operation input device 160, a display device 162, and a communication interface 164. Prepare. In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 connects each component with a bus 166 as a data transmission path, for example.

  The MPU 150 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an integrated circuit in which a plurality of circuits for realizing a control function are integrated, and the like, and functions as the control unit 106 that controls the entire information processing apparatus 100. The MPU 150 can also serve as an authentication information generation unit 120, a transmission candidate setting unit 122, and a communication control unit 124 described later in the information processing apparatus 100.

  The ROM 152 stores control data such as programs and calculation parameters used by the MPU 150, and the RAM 154 primarily stores programs executed by the MPU 150, for example.

  The recording medium 156 functions as the storage unit 104 and stores various data such as identification information and auxiliary information as promise information, authentication information, and various data such as image data transmitted and received via the server 200, for example. . Here, examples of the recording medium 156 include a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), a flash memory, a MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory), and an FeRAM. Non-volatile memories such as (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) and PRAM (Phase change Random Access Memory) are mentioned, but not limited to the above. The information processing apparatus 100 can also include a recording medium 156 that can be detached from the information processing apparatus 100.

  The input / output interface 158 connects, for example, the operation input device 160 and the display device 162. The operation input device 160 functions as the operation unit 108, and the display device 162 functions as the display unit 110. Here, examples of the input / output interface 158 include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) terminal, an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal, and various processing circuits. Not limited. For example, the operation input device 160 is provided on the information processing apparatus 100 and is connected to the input / output interface 158 inside the information processing apparatus 100. Examples of the operation input device 160 include, but are not limited to, buttons, direction keys, rotary selectors such as a jog dial, or combinations thereof. For example, the display device 162 is provided on the information processing apparatus 100 and is connected to the input / output interface 158 inside the information processing apparatus 100. Examples of the display device 162 include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an organic EL display (also referred to as an organic light emitting diode display), but are not limited thereto. I can't. Needless to say, the input / output interface 158 can be connected to an operation input device (for example, a keyboard or a mouse) as an external device of the information processing apparatus 100 or a display device (for example, an external display). The display device 162 may be a device capable of display and user operation, such as a touch screen.

  The communication interface 164 is a communication unit included in the information processing apparatus 100, and performs wireless / wired communication with an external apparatus such as the server 200 or the information processing terminal 300 via a network (or directly). It functions as the communication unit 102. Here, examples of the communication interface 164 include a communication antenna and an RF circuit (wireless communication), an IEEE 802.15.1 port and a transmission / reception circuit (wireless communication), an IEEE 802.11b port and a transmission / reception circuit (wireless communication), or a LAN. Examples include terminals and transmission / reception circuits (wired communication).

  Here, as the network according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, a wired network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), a wireless WAN (WWAN; Wireless Wide Area Network) via a base station, Examples include a wireless network such as a wireless MAN (WMAN; Wireless Metropolitan Area Network) or the Internet using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  The information processing apparatus 100 can perform processing related to the data transfer assistance approach with the configuration illustrated in FIG. 9, for example. Note that the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 9. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 can include, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and an audio output device including an amplifier (amplifier), a speaker, and the like. By providing the DSP and the audio output device, the information processing apparatus 100 reproduces the sound (including music) indicated by the audio data transmitted / received via the server 200 on the information processing apparatus 100 to allow the user to The contents of can be grasped.

  With reference to FIG. 8 again, the components of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described. The communication unit 102 is a communication unit included in the information processing apparatus 100, and performs wireless / wired communication with external apparatuses such as the server 200 and the information processing terminal 300 via a network (or directly). The communication of the communication unit 102 is controlled by the control unit 106, for example.

  Here, examples of the communication unit 102 include a communication antenna and an RF circuit, a LAN terminal, and a transmission / reception circuit, but are not limited thereto. For example, the communication unit 102 can take an arbitrary configuration capable of communicating with an external device via a network.

  The storage unit 104 is a storage unit included in the information processing apparatus 100. Here, examples of the storage unit 104 include a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk, and a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory.

  The storage unit 104 stores various data such as identification information and auxiliary information as promise information, authentication information, and various data such as image data transmitted and received via the server 200, for example. Here, FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which the first identification information 130, the second identification information 132, the auxiliary information 134, the authentication information 136, the image data 138,.

  The control unit 106 includes, for example, an MPU or an integrated circuit in which various processing circuits are integrated, and serves to control the entire information processing apparatus 100. The control unit 106 includes an authentication information generation unit 120, a transmission candidate setting unit 122, and a communication control unit 124, and plays a role of leading the processing related to the data transfer assistance approach in the information processing apparatus 100.

  The authentication information generation unit 120 plays a role of leading the processes of steps S106 and S116 shown in FIG. More specifically, the authentication generation unit 120 generates authentication information based on the first identification information 130 and the second identification information 132 (based on the promise information). Then, the authentication information generation 120 records the generated authentication information in the storage unit 104.

  The transmission candidate setting unit 122 plays a role of performing a part of the process of step S108 shown in FIG. More specifically, the transmission candidate setting unit 122 displays the transmission screen as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 on the display screen by performing the processing of steps S200 to S212 of FIG. 5, for example. Moreover, the transmission candidate setting part 122 plays the role which performs the process of step S124 shown in FIG. 2 leading, and displays a receiving screen as shown in FIG. 7 on a display screen. Therefore, the transmission candidate setting unit 122 can serve as a display control unit that generates display data constituting various screens such as a transmission screen and a reception screen and displays the display data on the display screen of the display unit 110.

  The control unit 106 generates display data constituting various screens such as a transmission screen and a reception screen in cooperation with the transmission candidate setting unit 122 and displays it on the display screen of the display unit 110 (not shown). May be further provided.

  The communication control unit 124 plays a role of leading a part of the process of step S108 shown in FIG. 2 and the processes of steps S110, S118, and S126. More specifically, the communication control unit 124 determines whether or not to transmit data to the server 200 by the processes of steps S214 and S216 in FIG. And the data selected as the transmission target data are associated with each other and transmitted to the server 200. Further, the communication control unit 124 transmits the transmission candidate transmission request and the authentication information to the server 200 based on the user operation or in cooperation with the authentication information generation process in the authentication information generation unit 120. In addition, the communication control unit 124 determines whether to receive data from the server 200 based on a user operation. When receiving data from the server 200, the communication control unit 124 sends a data transmission request and authentication information to the server 200. Send.

  For example, the control unit 106 includes an authentication information generation unit 120, a transmission candidate setting unit 122, and a communication control unit 124, thereby playing a leading role in performing processing related to the data transfer assistance approach in the information processing apparatus 100. Needless to say, the configuration of the control unit 106 included in the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above.

  The operation unit 108 is an operation unit included in the information processing apparatus 100 that enables an operation by a user. By providing the operation unit 108, the information processing apparatus 100 can perform a user operation and can perform a process desired by the user in accordance with the user operation. Here, examples of the operation unit 108 include a rotary selector such as a button, a direction key, and a jog dial, or a combination thereof.

  The display unit 110 is a display unit included in the information processing apparatus 100 and displays various information on the display screen. Examples of the screen displayed on the display screen of the display unit 110 include a transmission screen as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 9, a reception screen as shown in FIG. 7, and a desired operation for the information processing apparatus 100. For example, an operation screen for performing the operation. Here, examples of the display unit 110 include an LCD and an organic EL display, but are not limited thereto. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 can also configure the display unit 110 with a touch screen. In the above case, the display unit 110 functions as an operation display unit capable of both user operation and display.

  For example, the information processing apparatus 100 can realize processing related to the data transfer assist approach in the information processing apparatus 100 with the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8.

  Note that the configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 may further include an identification information generation unit (not shown) that generates identification information according to the embodiment of the present invention. When an identification information generation unit (not shown) is provided, the information processing apparatus 100 is connected to other apparatuses (for example, the information processing terminal 300) in the same manner as the information processing terminal 300A and the information processing terminal 300B illustrated in FIG. Exchange information can be exchanged between the two.

  Further, the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention does not include the display unit 110 illustrated in FIG. 8, for example, and can display various screens on the display screen of the display device as an external device. In addition, even when the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the display unit 110 illustrated in FIG. 8, various screens can be displayed on the display screen of the display device as an external device. Needless to say.

[Server 200]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The server 200 includes a communication unit 202 (server-side communication unit), a storage unit 204, and a control unit 206.

  The server 200 includes, for example, a ROM (not shown), a RAM (not shown), an operation unit (not shown) that can be operated by an administrator of the server 200, and a display unit that displays various screens on the display screen. (Not shown) may be provided. The server 200 connects each component by a bus as a data transmission path, for example.

  Here, a ROM (not shown) stores control data such as a program used by the control unit and calculation parameters. A RAM (not shown) primarily stores programs executed by the control unit. Examples of the operation unit (not shown) include a device similar to the operation input device 160 according to the information processing apparatus 100 described above. Examples of the display unit (not shown) include a device similar to the display device 162 according to the information processing apparatus 100 described above.

[Hardware Configuration Example of Server 200]
For example, the server 200 has the same hardware configuration as the information processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. In the case of adopting the above configuration, in the server 200, the MPU serves as the control unit 206, and the recording medium serves as the storage unit 204. Further, when adopting the above configuration, in the server 200, the communication interface serves as the communication unit 202. Needless to say, the configuration of the server 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the same configuration as the information processing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 9.

  The communication unit 202 is a communication unit included in the server 200, and performs wireless / wired communication with an external apparatus such as each information processing apparatus configuring the information processing system 1000 via a network (or directly). Further, the communication of the communication unit 202 is controlled by the control unit 206, for example.

  Here, examples of the communication unit 202 include a communication antenna and an RF circuit, a LAN terminal, and a transmission / reception circuit, but are not limited thereto. For example, the communication unit 202 can have any configuration that can communicate with an external device via a network.

  The storage unit 204 is a storage unit included in the server 200. Here, examples of the storage unit 204 include a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk, and a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory.

  In addition, the storage unit 204 stores identification information, authentication information, and data transmitted from each information processing apparatus 100 in association with each other, and stores various data such as applications. Here, FIG. 10 illustrates an example in which the authentication information DB 220 and the image data 222 that is data transmitted from each information processing apparatus 100 are stored in the storage unit 204. The authentication information DB 220 stores the identification information and authentication information transmitted from each information processing apparatus 100 in association with information on a storage location such as an address where data corresponding to the authentication information is stored.

  The control unit 206 includes, for example, an MPU or an integrated circuit in which various processing circuits are integrated, and serves to control the entire server 200. The control unit 206 includes a processing determination unit 210, a data management unit 212, and a data transmission unit 214, and plays a role of leading the processing related to the data transfer assist approach in the server 200 shown in FIG.

  The process determination unit 210 determines a process to be performed based on the data received by the communication unit 202. For example, when the identification information, the authentication information, and one or more data are received, the process determination unit 210 records the received various data (for example, performs the process of step S112 in FIG. 2). judge. Then, the process determination unit 210 transmits the determination result and various data received by the communication unit 202 to the data management unit 212.

  Further, when the reception candidate transmission request and the authentication information are received, the process determination unit 210 determines to perform a process related to transmission of candidate data (for example, the processes in steps S120 and S122 in FIG. 2). Then, the process determination unit 210 transmits the determination result and various data received by the communication unit 202 to the data transmission unit 214.

  Further, when the data transmission request and the authentication information are received, the process determining unit 210 determines to perform a process related to data transmission (for example, the processes in steps S128 and S130 in FIG. 2). Then, the process determination unit 210 transmits the determination result and various data received by the communication unit 202 to the data transmission unit 214.

  For example, the data management unit 212 plays a role of leading the process of step S112 in FIG. More specifically, the data management unit 212 stores various data transmitted from each information processing apparatus 100 based on the determination result transmitted from the processing determination unit 210 and the various data received by the communication unit 202. The information is recorded in association with the unit 204.

  For example, the data transmission unit 214 plays a role of leading the processes of steps S120 and S128 of FIG. More specifically, the data transmission unit 214 converts authentication data from the data stored in the storage unit 204 based on the determination result transmitted from the processing determination unit 210 and various data received by the communication unit 202. Find matching data. Then, the data transmission unit 214 transmits the detected data or candidate data based on the detected data via the communication unit 202. Here, the processing in the data transmission unit 214 corresponds to processing for performing authentication based on authentication information and selectively transmitting data or candidate data detected based on the authentication result.

  The control unit 206 includes, for example, a processing determination unit 210, a data management unit 212, and a data transmission unit 214, thereby playing a role of leading the processing related to the data transfer assist approach in the server 200. Needless to say, the configuration of the control unit 206 included in the server 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above.

  For example, the server 200 can realize the processing related to the data transfer assistance approach in the server 200 with the configuration shown in FIG. Needless to say, the configuration of the server 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 10.

  As described above, the information processing system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the information processing apparatus 100 and the server 200. In the information processing system 1000, there is a case where one information processing apparatus 100 (hereinafter may be referred to as “information processing apparatus 100A”) and another information processing apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as “information processing apparatus 100B”). Data is transmitted to and received from the server 200 indirectly via the server 200. Here, in the information processing system 1000, transmission / reception of data between the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100B via the server 200 is performed using authentication information based on the promise information. Therefore, by using the information processing system 1000, the user can use the information processing apparatus 100 to allow other users who are to receive data to send / receive data without performing separate registration related to the data transfer to the server 200. The transmitted data can be received indirectly via the server 200.

  In the information processing system 1000, the identification information (first identification information, second identification information) used by the information processing apparatus 100A and the information processing apparatus 100B to generate authentication information is, for example, between the information processing terminals 300A and 300B at an event venue. Exchanged at Here, since the exchange information exchanged between the information processing terminals 300A and 300B is the identification information and the auxiliary information, for example, even if exchange information is exchanged between the information processing terminals 300A and 300B at an event venue or the like, the user A and B do not impose a special waiting time. Therefore, when exchanging exchange information related to the generation of authentication information, there is no risk of reducing user convenience.

  Therefore, the information processing system 1000 including the information processing apparatus 100 and the server 200 can assist data exchange between users.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus 100 has been described as a constituent element of the information processing system 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a form. Embodiments of the present invention include, for example, computers such as PCs and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), imaging devices such as digital still cameras and digital cameras, portable communication devices such as mobile phones and PHS (Personal Handyphone System), video / The present invention can be applied to various devices such as a music playback device, video / music recording / playback device, and portable game machine.

  Moreover, although the server 200 was mentioned and demonstrated as a component which comprises the information processing system 1000 which concerns on embodiment of this invention, embodiment of this invention is not restricted to this form. The embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various devices such as a server and a computer such as a PC.

  In the above description, the information processing terminal 300 has been described as an apparatus used for exchanging exchange information at an event venue, for example. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to such an embodiment. Embodiments of the present invention include, for example, computers such as PCs and PDAs, imaging devices such as digital still cameras and digital cameras, portable communication devices such as mobile phones and PHS, video / music playback devices, and video / music recording / playback devices. It can be applied to various devices such as portable game machines. Further, the information processing terminal 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention can have a hardware configuration similar to that of the information processing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 9, for example.

(Program according to an embodiment of the present invention)
By the program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the processing related to the data transfer assistance approach in the information processing apparatus 100 described above can be realized. Therefore, data exchange between users can be assisted by a program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Moreover, the process which concerns on the data transfer assistance approach in the server 200 mentioned above is realizable with the program for functioning a computer as a server which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Therefore, data exchange between users can be assisted by a program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  For example, in the information processing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 8, the control unit 106 includes the authentication information generation unit 120, the transmission candidate setting unit 122, and the communication control unit 124. However, the information according to the embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The configuration of the processing device is not limited to the above. For example, the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention individually includes arbitrary components of the authentication information generation unit 120, the transmission candidate setting unit 122, and the communication control unit 124 illustrated in FIG. It is also possible to realize this with a processing circuit.

  In the above description, it has been shown that a program (computer program) for causing a computer to function as an information processing apparatus and a server according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. A storage medium storing each of the above programs can also be provided.

  In the above, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the information processing apparatus 100 displays on the display screen a transmission screen on which candidates for data to be transmitted are displayed according to the set priority, whereby the server 200 It was shown that it is possible to assist in the selection of data to be sent to. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the above is applied, for example, when the exchange information is exchanged between the information processing apparatuses according to the embodiment of the present invention possessed by the user at the event venue, the information processing apparatus By displaying the transmission screen as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 on the display screen, it is possible to assist the selection of data at the time of the event. Therefore, in the above case, the information processing apparatus can assist direct exchange of data between users.

100, 100A, 100B Information processing apparatus 102, 202 Communication unit 104, 204 Storage unit 106, 206 Control unit 120 Authentication information generation unit 122 Transmission candidate setting unit 124 Communication control unit 210 Processing determination unit 212 Data management unit 214 Data transmission unit 300A , 300B Information processing terminal 1000 Information processing system

Claims (11)

A communication unit that communicates with a server that relays data exchange;
Authentication information generation for generating authentication information used for authentication related to data exchange in the server based on promise information for exchange of data promised between the users including exchange information exchanged in advance between users Part;
A communication control unit that transmits the authentication information generated by the authentication information generation unit and data selected as data to be transmitted to the server when transmitting data to the server;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The promise information includes auxiliary information for identifying a user who is an object of data exchange obtained by the exchange,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission candidate setting unit configured to display a transmission screen on which a content of the auxiliary information and a candidate of data to be transmitted are displayed on a display screen.   The transmission candidate setting unit sets a priority for each data that is a candidate for data to be transmitted based on the promise information, and displays a transmission screen on which data candidates to be transmitted are displayed according to the set priority. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, which is displayed on a screen. The auxiliary information is image data including a user's face part to which data is exchanged,
The transmission candidate setting unit performs face detection using image of a face part included in the auxiliary information for image data that is a candidate for data to be transmitted, and candidates for data to be transmitted based on a result of face detection The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the priority is set for each of the image data.   The transmission candidate setting unit specifies image data including a user who is the object of data transfer by the face detection, and a person includes the priority of the image data including a user who is the object of data transfer The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information processing apparatus is set to be higher than the priority of the image data that does not include a user who is an object of data transmission / reception.   The transmission candidate setting unit specifies image data including a user who is a target of the data transmission and reception by the face detection, and includes the priority of the image data not including a person but including the person The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information processing apparatus is set to be higher than the priority of image data that does not include a user who is a data transfer target. The promise information includes information on the time when the exchange information was exchanged,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transmission candidate setting unit sets data candidates to be transmitted based on the time information.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information used by the authentication information generation unit to generate the authentication information among the exchange information included in the promise information is hash information generated from arbitrary image data. .   When receiving data from the server, the communication control unit transmits a data transmission request for requesting data transmission and the authentication information generated by the authentication information generation unit to the server. The information processing apparatus described in 1. Authentication information used for authentication related to data transmission / reception in a server that relays data transmission / reception based on the promise information for exchanging data promised between users, including exchange information exchanged in advance between users. Generating step;
When transmitting data to the server, transmitting the authentication information generated in the generating step and data selected as data to be transmitted to the server;
When receiving data from the server, transmitting a data transmission request for requesting data transmission and the authentication information generated in the generating step to the server;
A data exchange method. A server that relays data exchange;
Two information processing apparatuses that respectively communicate with the server and exchange data with the server;
Have
The server
A server-side communication unit that communicates with each of the information processing apparatuses;
A data recording unit that records authentication information and data in association with each other when authentication information and data used for authentication related to transmission / reception of data transmitted from any one of the information processing apparatuses is received;
When a data transmission request for requesting transmission of data transmitted from any one of the information processing apparatuses and the authentication information are received, based on the authentication information, among the data recorded by the data recording unit A data transmission unit that detects data matching the authentication information from the data, and selectively transmits the data detected based on the detection result to the information processing apparatus that transmitted the data transmission request;
With
Each of the information processing devices
A device-side communication unit that communicates with the server;
An authentication information generating unit that generates the authentication information based on promise information for exchanging data promised between the users, including exchange information exchanged in advance between users;
When transmitting data to the server, the authentication information generated by the authentication information generation unit and the data selected as data to be transmitted are transmitted to the server, and the data is received from the server. In this case, a communication control unit that transmits a data transmission request for requesting data transmission and the authentication information generated by the authentication information generation unit to the server;
An information processing system comprising:

Images